A Taste of Life on Georgian Bay

Today’s photographic journey is my final post of its kind for the summer of 2017. I’ll be sharing a few of the markets and views I enjoyed while spending some time on gorgeous Georgian Bay. The area is loaded with more than just farmers and outdoor enthusiasts, it hosts absolutely tons of artists too. It’s easy enough to see why when you travel by boat, bike, skis or car.

I hope to one day count myself among their ranks. It’s a most delightful part of this spectacularly beautiful country.

It’s a great spot year round, but mid-August, the area is nothing short of bountiful deliciousness, each and every market bursting at the seams with the local produce.

Among my personal faves is Goldsmith’s on Highway 26 (aka Georgian Coastal Route) between Thornbury and Meaford, famous for their apples and delectably irresistible pies AND they’re now open year round! A real bonus if you’re thinking of heading to the area outside of harvest season.

I can safely report that I’ve not ONCE been to the area without stopping at The Dam Pub where Chef Suzette Gerrie consistently serves up a world class gastro pub menu. The century house itself which has been painstakingly restored is host to more than 600 whiskies from around the world including over 300 single malts curated by Stephanie Price, Certified Whisky Ambassador.

A fine view on the patriotically festooned patio as well. And if you peak up above all the pretty planters you’ll get a nice view of other proudly restored Victorian homes.

Time to explain the ‘satisfied customer…’ from the quote at the beginning. It was me. I had just finished this exceptionally tasty bowl of mussels in a curry sauce when one of my lunch companions tossed a handful of his fries into my leftover curry sauce.

It’s at moments such as this that you realize you stand firmly in the camp of eating for pleasure over eating simply to sustain. Hunger or being sated often have NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with what I am willing to try. If there are fries in my curry, I’m gonna eat ’em!

A little glimpse of the IMPRESSIVE scotch bar, organized by country and pricing. I didn’t get the bottle that offers up $850 drams as there were people eating right there, but trust me it exists. I typically stick to the still delicious but slightly more sanely priced options.

When it’s NOT a sunny lunchtime I am most inclined to order a wee dram but it seemed a tad early in the day. Any guesses of what I did drink?

Predictable, I know.

Heading out of Thornbury Harbour for an afternoon on the water (Lucky for us, the french fry gifter also happens to have a boat!) we spotted a most familiar scene. When the kids were smaller we used to bring them here to jump every summer. For reasons I won’t get into in this article, (actually it’s because I don’t know why!) the water is REALLY high this year and as such I suspect this bunch were doing more hanging out than actual leaping from previously perilous heights.

Watching weather move across the Bay is more often than not dramatic and powerfully beautiful. On this unusually calm day, we were treated to absolute still perfection for a cruise.

Back to the markets. This one is located south of Thornbury and always worth a stop to see what the locals are crafting for our culinary pleasures.

I settled on this little beauty and have been dreaming about it every since. From the bottom up; caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, local sprouts and greens, goat cheese, roasted eggplant and spicy pickled peppers on a fabulously fresh whole grain bread. Heaven!

While at one point this place was called the ‘100 mile market’ it has since re-opened itself to the community as a hub of sorts. A co-op in nature very much in keeping with the buying and consuming what you can find within a 100 mile radius (I guess 160 km doesn’t have quite the same ring) with fresh produce from many local farms, crafts and inspiration from artisans, specialty coffee and snacks, an olive oil bar and a yoga studio. Also on Highway 26 but a little closer to Meaford.

It’s one of those places that I walk into and think that I might never leave. I can always tell when John starts looking a little nervous that I might either decide to hunker down thus throwing off his departing schedule OR worse, re-plan our entire lives in order that I might become a regular part of this lifestyle. He’s all to familiar with that particular gleam in my eye.

I hope you’ll stick around and enjoy a few more views of this stunning part of Ontario.

I have a few things about geese which I would like to briefly touch upon. One, vicious or just aggressive? And secondly, is there one guy that’s in charge in moments like this? They’re all peacefully floating around and I want to know who makes the decision that they should all just commence honking and flying?

Wild sweetpeas are EVERYWHERE! Each ditch is nature at its most stunning simplicity.

Controversial or not, one cannot deny their stark beauty.

Cheers Georgian Bay, I will never tire of your vast and enduring beauty.